There was concern in the community after last year’s event was cancelled due to lack of volunteers, but the Little Princess Ball has returned to fill the Moose Jaw Events Centre with glitter and magic for a 13th annual Disney-themed fundraiser. 

The Little Princess Ball took place April 27 and 28, bringing hundreds of delighted children into a fully decorated space (complete with volunteers in full princess outfits) to raise money on behalf of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation (MJHF).  

Kelly McElree, executive director of the MJHF, shared with attendees at the ball that funds would be used to purchase specialized pediatric care beds at Moose Jaw’s Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital. 

“Day one was fantastic, we had an absolutely full house, we had all kinds of wonderful entertainment, dancing, and crafts, of course,” said Kate Szeles, new co-chair of the Little Princess Ball committee. Szeles spoke with DiscoverMooseJaw.com just before the start of day two’s event. 

“All of our Disney princesses were ready to sign autographs and take photos with all the kids, and we actually had a little surprise Taylor Swift performance, as well. That was a really big hit, so it was a great day.” 

Tessa Critchley and her children were excited to visit the Little Princess Ball for the first time, and to take a picture with the Fairy GodmotherTessa Critchley and her children were excited to visit the Little Princess Ball for the first time, and to take a picture with the Fairy Godmother (photo by Gordon Edgar)

Tessa Critchley attended the Little Princess Ball with her three daughters and two-and-a-half-month-old son (all very dressed up). It was their first time, and they all drove from their home north of Regina to be there. 

“These are my daughters, and my one little prince,” Critchley laughed. “Everyone was very excited — We went out and bought crowns at the mall.” 

Critchley’s daughters weren’t quite sure which Disney princess is their favourite, except for the youngest, who picked Elsa without hesitation. 

Szeles said that holding the ball in the Curling Centre rather than the Heritage Inn presented a challenge in that it can hold more people. So, while Saturday’s event sold out with 356, Sunday’s 210 people felt a bit emptier. Nevertheless, both days were successful. 

"Out Saturday tickets sold out right away, I think people really missed the event last year. It’s a really cherished event in this community, so we were happy to be able to bring it back,” she said. “We were able to add more tickets, as well, just by moving to the Events Centre here, it’s more capacity.” 

Disney princess Belle said she was thrilled to have travelled from France to visit with the children of Moose Jaw. 

“I do quite a few of these events each year,” Belle said, “and it’s wonderful. My favourite part is the belief on the little one’s faces, and just how magical it all is for them.” 

“I think it’s safe to say the Little Princess Ball is back,” Szeles added.